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National Wildlife Refuges in McLean County, North Dakota

8 national wildlife refuges in McLean County. Every location page has sunrise and sunset azimuths, a monthly golden hour table, Milky Way windows and nearby spots.

Top national wildlife refuges

Lost Lake National Wildlife RefugeNational Wildlife Refuge
Lost Lake National Wildlife RefugeMcLean County
Audubon National Wildlife RefugeNational Wildlife Refuge
Audubon National Wildlife RefugeMcLean County
National Wildlife Refuge
Hiddenwood National Wildlife RefugeMcLean County
National Wildlife Refuge
Lake Nettie National Wildlife RefugeMcLean County
National Wildlife Refuge
McLean National Wildlife RefugeMcLean County
National Wildlife Refuge
Camp Lake National Wildlife RefugeMcLean County
National Wildlife Refuge
Cottonwood Lake National Wildlife RefugeMcLean County
National Wildlife Refuge
Lake Otis National Wildlife RefugeMcLean County

Map

How to photograph national wildlife refuges

Wildlife is most active in the first and last two hours of daylight — exactly when the light is warmest.

  • Use auto-loop roads as mobile blinds; animals often tolerate vehicles more than people on foot.
  • Stay on designated routes and keep a respectful distance — if an animal changes behavior, you are too close.
  • A 400–600 mm lens (or a crop body) is the usual tool for birds.
  • Fast shutter speeds (1/2000 s+) freeze wingbeats; raise ISO rather than lose the shot.
  • Migration peaks bring the largest concentrations — see the birding calendar for this state.

Season: Spring and autumn migration are the highlights; winter brings waterfowl to many southern refuges.